Mazda’s RX-7 is one of the most revered Japanese sports cars ever built, but do they still hold sway with car enthusiasts after they’ve been transformed into a limousine? Apparently, yes.

We have proof of this because someone just paid 22 grand for a stretched version of this rotary-powered machine, specifically $21,450 through auction house Barrett Jackson. You read that right, and as the pictures attest, this 1993 RX-7 turbo has inexplicably been transformed into a stretch limo, though we have no idea what would compel someone to do this other than a sick sense of humor.

But the bigger question is, why would someone buy said vehicle? Abject insanity is the only reason we can think of.

Supposedly, this modified Mazda features a one-off structure including a Nascar-caliber roll cage, Learjet-style power door, a Petit Racing twin-turbo rotary engine and much more.

Underneath, this one-of-a-kind limo rolls on Forgeline Race Wheels, is supported by coil-over shock absorbers and is brought to a halt by four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. A five-speed manual transmission with dual-cone synchronizers handles shifting duties.

As delivered, stock RX-7s could blitz to 60 miles an hour from a standstill in less than five seconds, running the quarter-mile in around 13.5 seconds at a speedy 107 miles an hour. This performance is still impressive today, two decades after the final example was built, though we suspect this elongated model wouldn’t be quite as fleet.

What do you think of this one-off Mazda? Is it worth 22 large or should it have been crushed?

Wearing a custom Rocket Bunny wide body kit, the RC has been lowered thanks to set of KW coilovers. Aggressive Brembo brakes have been installed at all four corners with six piston calipers controlling stopping power up front while four pistons see duty in the back.

With the car now being significantly wider, the tires front and rear needed to be widen to fill out the massive wheel wells. The back sees a set of steam-roller 325 tires while the front has slightly more conservative 265 mm tires.

Little has been done to the engine performance and the interior, but there is a GReddy exhaust system and refinished Bride front seats. This is just a taste of what can be done to a Lexus RC in the hands of aftermarket tuners and we expect wilder and crazier things to come for this luxury coupe in the coming years.

GALLERY: Project 2015 Lexus RC 350 F Sport

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/11/project-2015-lexus-rc-350-f-sport-first-look-video.html/feed0more]]>2015 Chrysler 200 Moparized’ for Chicago Auto Showhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/02/2015-chrysler-200-moparized-chicago.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/02/2015-chrysler-200-moparized-chicago.html#respondWed, 05 Feb 2014 13:32:14 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=2324842015 Chrysler 200 ‘Moparized’ for Chicago Auto ShowChrysler is focusing on customization at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show, displaying its new 200 mid-size sedan with a line of factory customization options. Customers will be able to pick from up to 100 Mopar parts that will be available by the end of the year to make their 200 stand apart. The car on... more]]>

Chrysler is focusing on customization at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show, displaying its new 200 mid-size sedan with a line of factory customization options.

Customers will be able to pick from up to 100 Mopar parts that will be available by the end of the year to make their 200 stand apart. The car on display in Chicago started as a 200S, but gets a coat of white pearl paint and a body kit including side sills, a chin spoiler, and modifications to the grille. There’s also a new rear fascia and chrome exhaust tips.

Chrysler hasn’t said how many wheel options will fall under the parts list, but multi-spoke 19-inch “satin lite” alloy wheels also add to the package.

GALLERY: Customized Chrysler 200

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/02/2015-chrysler-200-moparized-chicago.html/feed0more]]>BMW Individual 760Li Sterling Trimmed in Silverhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/10/bmw-individual-760li-sterling-trimmed-in-silver.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/10/bmw-individual-760li-sterling-trimmed-in-silver.html#respondTue, 22 Oct 2013 21:44:22 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=219518BMW Individual 760Li Sterling Trimmed in SilverBMW Individual Manufaktur is a unique up-fitting service offered by the German luxury automaker for customers that want more exclusivity and customization options than provided by a “standard” Bimmer. The company has been doing this for more than two decades. Additionally, their Individual Collection is another facet of this idea and their latest creation is... more]]>BMW Individual Manufaktur is a unique up-fitting service offered by the German luxury automaker for customers that want more exclusivity and customization options than provided by a “standard” Bimmer. The company has been doing this for more than two decades. Additionally, their Individual Collection is another facet of this idea and their latest creation is the 760Li Sterling inspired by Robbe & Berking.

Robbe & Berking is a firm that deals in sterling-silver products and other precious metal-related activities. BMW has partnered with the company to release a special 7 Series that’s inspired by their opulence and attention to detail.

The BMW Individual 760Li Sterling is kitted out with, not surprisingly, silver trim inside and out. The cockpit is lined with the precious material, from the door handles, to the sills, to the dashboard and other trim; the special hammer-finished metal is everywhere. Even the BMW logos on the car’s hood and trunk are made with sterling silver, as are the grille surrounds.

These special V12-powered sedans are painted “Singapore Grey,” which goes with the metal trimmings quite nicely. This is an interesting idea that other luxury automakers are sure to borrow.

GALLERY: BMW Individual 760Li Sterling

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/10/bmw-individual-760li-sterling-trimmed-in-silver.html/feed0more]]>Dodge Expanding “Blacktop Package” to Seven-Passenger Modelshttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/01/dodge-expanding-blacktop-package-to-seven-passenger-models.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/01/dodge-expanding-blacktop-package-to-seven-passenger-models.html#respondThu, 10 Jan 2013 15:29:14 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=175251Dodge Expanding “Blacktop Package” to Seven-Passenger ModelsDodge is bringing a touch of style to the seven-passenger vehicles in its lineup. Starting a little later this year Grand Caravan, Durango and Journey buyers will have the option of ordering a unique “Blacktop” package on these vehicles, which adds a healthy dose of design flair without breaking the bank. This special-edition trim has... more]]>

Dodge is bringing a touch of style to the seven-passenger vehicles in its lineup. Starting a little later this year Grand Caravan, Durango and Journey buyers will have the option of ordering a unique “Blacktop” package on these vehicles, which adds a healthy dose of design flair without breaking the bank.

This special-edition trim has proven to be a popular option on Dodge’s passenger cars including the Challenger,Charger and Avenger, which is why the brand is making it available on the family-friendly vehicles in its showroom.

Some of the appearance enhancements in the Blacktop package include special, gloss-black wheels, exclusive paint colors and unique grilles with matching surrounds. Altogether the company says these changes are “sinister looking,” but you can judge for yourself.

Blacktop upgrades will be offered on the Grand Caravan SXT model and will set customers back $595. Aside from exterior changes, the van’s innards get some enhancements as well. These include an all black interior, contrasting silver stitching on the cloth seats and more. Look for Blacktop-equipped Grand Caravans at Dodge dealers in the second-quarter of the year.

Durango SUV buyers are offered similar enhancements. The Blacktop package is available on Rallye and R/T models, and again stickers for a little less than 600 bucks. It should arrive at Dodge stores shortly.

Last but not least, the Journey hasn’t been forgotten. This versatile crossover is offered in wide variety of flavors. Buyers can choose between four-cylinder power and a muscular, smooth-running Pentastar V6. Front- or all-wheel drive are also on the menu, as is five- and seven-passenger seating. As for the Blacktop package, it’s offered on the value-focused Journey SXT. Upgrades include 19-inch wheels and lots gloss-black, from the headlamp bezels to the lower fascia to the side-view mirrors. Chrysler’s Uconnect system is also included in the $995 package. Blacktop-edition Dodge Journeys will be available starting in the second quarter of 2013.

GALLERY: 2013 Dodge Blacktop Models

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/01/dodge-expanding-blacktop-package-to-seven-passenger-models.html/feed0more]]>Ferrari Announces Tailor-Made Customization Servicehttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/08/ferrari-announces-tailor-made-customization-service.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/08/ferrari-announces-tailor-made-customization-service.html#respondMon, 08 Aug 2011 10:52:10 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=77294Ferrari Announces “Tailor-Made” Customization ServiceIf you’ve ever wanted the ultimate level of garish customization, fear not! Ferrari is willing to open up its entire upholstery and custom department to owners, called “Tailor-Made.” If you can dream it, Ferrari can do it. The company states: “this innovative programme enables clients to create an individual car, using exclusive and unique materials,... more]]>If you’ve ever wanted the ultimate level of garish customization, fear not! Ferrari is willing to open up its entire upholstery and custom department to owners, called “Tailor-Made.”

If you can dream it, Ferrari can do it. The company states: “this innovative programme enables clients to create an individual car, using exclusive and unique materials, colour and trim with the support of a dedicated team, as if it were a bespoke suit.”

But it’s clear who this is aimed at: those who want their 458s to be just that certain level of special. If you want Ohio State colors, a center console wrapped in crocodile skin, or Gaddafi-like patterns across the headliner, then go ahead and write them a check. How about bright orange, for an example of taste and restraint? Or denim seats as on Fiat manager and sartorialist Lapo Elkann’s personal California, giving Ferrari its long-sought connection with AMC? They’ll probably even do whale penis leather if you ask nicely. Porsche and Bentley have similar programs, but with a Ferrari there’s just that extra amount of attention-seeking that owners can afford.